SOMERVILLE – Somerset County Sheriff Frank J. Provenzano held his annual awards ceremony Dec. 28 to recognize a number of his officers, as well as two civilian employees, for outstanding performance during the past year.

Also, Deputy Attorney General Philip Aronow presented Sheriff Provenzano and participating officers with a plaque and letter of commendation from State Attorney General Paula T. Dow, commending the office for its role in the successful Fugitive Safe Surrender (FSS) program held in Somerset County in November.

“We are honored to accept this commendation from the Attorney General,” Sheriff Provenzano said. “My staff did an outstanding job on the Fugitive Safe Surrender initiative, which prompted some 4,000 fugitives to turn themselves in.”

Awards pertaining to the FSS program were as follows:

Exceptional Duty Award – FSS Program

Chief Kenneth E. Bird of Lebanon Township
For the coordination and planning of Fugitive Safe Surrender for Central Jersey which began in August 2010 and culminated in a four day operation, November 3-6, 2010. The four day operation produced the third highest number of surrenders in the nation. Chief Bird’s initiative and dedication to this project has brought public acclaim to the Sheriff’s Office as well as to all personnel involved.

Lieutenant Glenn D. Dickey of Middlesex Borough
For the coordination and planning of Fugitive Safe Surrender for Central Jersey which began in August 2010 and culminated in a four day operation, November 3-6, 2010. The four day operation produced the third highest number of surrenders in the nation. Lieutenant Dickey’s initiative and dedication to this project has brought public acclaim to the Sheriff’s Office as well as to all personnel involved

Sergeant H. Stephen SanAntonio of Berkeley Heights
For the coordination and planning of Fugitive Safe Surrender for Central Jersey which began in August 2010 and culminated in a four day operation, November 3-6, 2010. The four day operation produced the third highest number of surrenders in the nation. Sergeant SanAntonio’s initiative and dedication to this project has brought public acclaim to the Sheriff’s Office as well as to all personnel involved

Sheriff’s Recognition Award – FSS Program

Robert K. McCarthy of Raritan Borough
For the coordination and planning of Fugitive Safe Surrender for Central Jersey which began in August 2010 and culminated in a four day operation, November 3-6, 2010. The four day operation produced the third highest number of surrenders in the nation. Mr. McCarthy’s initiative and dedication to this project has brought public acclaim to the Sheriff’s Office as well as to all personnel involved

Cosmo W. Tomaro of Hillsborough
For the coordination and planning of Fugitive Safe Surrender for Central Jersey which began in August 2010 and culminated in a four day operation, November 3-6, 2010. The four day operation produced the third highest number of surrenders in the nation. Mr. Tomaro’s initiative and dedication to this project has brought public acclaim to the Sheriff’s Office as well as to all personnel involved

Sheriff’s Officer Christopher Omelio of South Plainfield
For his invaluable assistance during the Fugitive Safe Surrender for Central Jersey, four day operation, November 3-6, 2010. Officer Omelio’s outstanding performance brought credit not only to himself but the entire Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s Officer Michael DiGuilio of Bridgewater
For his invaluable assistance during the Fugitive Safe Surrender for Central Jersey, four day operation, November 3-6, 2010. Officer DiGuilio’s outstanding performance brought credit not only to himself but the entire Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s Officer Nicholas Fazio of Montgomery (Skillman)
For his invaluable assistance during the Fugitive Safe Surrender for Central Jersey, four day operation, November 3-6, 2010. Officer Fazio’s outstanding performance brought credit not only to himself but the entire Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s Officer Nicholas Riesinger of Manville
For his invaluable assistance during the Fugitive Safe Surrender for Central Jersey, four day operation, November 3-6, 2010. Officer Riesinger’s outstanding performance brought credit not only to himself but the entire Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s Officer Richard B. Fedora of Hillsborough
For his invaluable assistance during the Fugitive Safe Surrender for Central Jersey, four day operation, November 3-6, 2010. Officer Fedora’s outstanding performance brought credit not only to himself but the entire Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.

On Nov. 1, 2010, Officer Wallace and K-9 Boone were dispatched to Raritan Township (Hunterdon County) in the evening to search for a wanted person who had fled from the Hunterdon Medical Center following a domestic dispute.

Once on scene, Officer Wallace and K-9 Boone began tracking the individual through a wooded area near Route 31. Approximately a mile later, they exited the woods onto Haddenfield Road, where K-9 Boone continued to track the person through several residential properties until finally stopping at the front door of 21 Haddenfield Road. Upon questioning the owner of the house, the wanted person was located in an upstairs bedroom.

“Officer Wallace and K-9 Boone's actions that night bring great acclaim to the K-9 Unit and the Somerset County Sheriff's Office,” Sheriff Provenzano said.